Sam Simon Creator of Simpsons Dying, Donating Fortune to Charities

Sam Simon co-developed the longest running animated series on television with Matt Groening. In 1983 ‘The Simpsons’ hit prime-time television and a precarious toon star named ‘Bart’ was born. Earlier this year, Simon was diagnosed with terminal colon cancer, he was given three to six months to live. With his condition worsening, the co-creator has vowed to donate his fortune to charities.

The humbled multi-millionaire expressed, “I have more money than I’m interested in spending. Everyone in my family is taken care of. And I enjoy this.” The organizations to receive Simon’s fortune?

The Sam Simon Foundation will receive a generous portion of the donation. It is Simon’s own foundation that has provided a path of eating health for the hungry and provided homes for stray pets

PETA

Save the Children

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is a facility Simon opened to save unwanted dogs from kill shelters

Simon has made his fortune, not only from the eight-time Emmy winning show ‘The Simpsons.’ He also was a career writer for other shows like, ‘Cheers,’ ‘Taxi,’ ‘Cosby Kids,’ ‘Fat Albert,’ ‘The George Carlin Show’ and the ‘Drew Carey Show.’ Simon has assisted the biggest careers in television. A touch of a pen many in Hollywood will miss. His cancer has not stopped his ability to create and even dying, he continues to give.

Many remember the raunchy and reality driven words from George Carlin, words assisted by Simon. Carlin died June 17, 2008 prior to be being awarded with the ‘Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.’ Such talent gained from pen to mic now bidding good-bye. Simon’s generosity is humbling. It brings to mind other humble celebrities who donated much of their fortune to charities:

Johnny Carson left a trust found for The Johnny Carson Foundation, which is reported to be worth over $200 million. The foundation exists to support education and health services for children and their families. The foundation has an impact specifically in LA and Nebraska

Hilton Hotels mogul, Barron Hilton donated 97 percent of his net worth (estimates point at $2.3 billion) to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. The foundation looks to improve impoverished conditions all over the world by working with a selective group of non-profit organizations

Simon has always held a soft spot for those in need, especially animals. The kind-hearted millionaire has served on PETA’s Executive Committee. He lived his early years as a vegetarian, turning to the vegan life-style once he joined the organization. PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk has held a soft spot for Simon, once stating, “Sam Simon may be a big Hollywood figure, but it’s his big heart that makes him a PETA soulmate.” Newkirk didn’t go into specifics about the money Simon has donated but acknowledged he was part of the “president’s circle,” which has an annual minimum contribution of $100,000.

In February, it was PETA who honored Simon, by unveiling the Sam Simon Center, a headquarters division of PETA in Norfolk. Simon was humbled and thanked the organization. Counting down to final moments, Simon has given so much to organizations to help others. Donating his fortune is not note-worthy to the famous writer. He simply wants to give back what he has earned. His family will be taken care of. Sam Simon, celebrated writer, director and producer may soon be gone, but he will never be forgotten.